Page 2 of Scandalous Secrets

“Mmm,” I said with a single nod. “Will you excuse me?”

I didn’t wait for his response as I stood and made a beeline for the bathroom. I stood by the sink and pulled my phone from my purse. I scrolled down to my best friend Heart’s name and hit send. She picked up after two rings.

“Uh-oh,” she said on the other line. “You’re only twenty-five minutes in.”

“Yeah, and I’m ready to get out,” I muttered.

“Ah, Monica. I’m sorry. Ditch the guy and come meet us for dinner. Daniel and I are at that new Thai food place in the West Village.”

“I’m there. But how do I get out of this?”

“Just say you’re not feeling well.”

I sighed. “Okay, I’ll be there soon.”

“Good luck,” she said.

I hung up and slid my phone back in my purse before assessing myself in the mirror. I had put on a green sweater dress, gold hoops, and pulled my hair back into a slick ponytail. All of this for nothing. At least I would get dinner after all, even if it meant I was the third wheel on a date with Heart and Daniel. I loved them, but they were just another reminder of my lonely life. Still, they were better than the shaggy dog out there.

I took a deep breath and pushed through the bathroom door, making my way back to the table where Dean had a freshly topped off whiskey in his hand.

“Ah, there you are. I wasn’t sure if you wanted another drink. We should probably actually order…”

“I’m so sorry,” I said, touching my hand to my stomach and wincing. “I’m actually not feeling very well.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I think it might be a stomach bug or something. I think I should go home.”

“Well, I can take you…” he offered without an ounce of sincerity in his voice.

I waved him off. “No, it’s okay. You just got a drink. Don’t let me ruin your night.”

“I’ll call you.”

It sounded more like a question and he didn’t get up as I made my way to the door. I hailed a cab and slid inside, letting out a sigh of relief. Fifteen minutes later, I arrived outside of the Thai restaurant. I greeted the hostess before spotting Heart and Daniel in a corner booth looking cozy. As I walked over, their faces lit up, making me feel less like an intruder.

“Scooch in,” said Daniel after standing to give me a hug.

I slid into the booth next to Heart, giving her a kiss on the cheek, as Daniel took the chair opposite us. He waved over the waitress and ordered me a glass of white wine. I gave him a warm smile as I thought about how far we had come. The guy I once had loathed for my friend now knew my drink order.

“So, it was that bad?” asked Heart.

“He was like a frat boy trapped in a forty-year-old man’s body.” I groaned.

“Yikes. I’m sorry.”

Daniel chuckled as he took a sip of bourbon. He was used to girl talk. I thought he secretly enjoyed it.

“Where’s Bridgette tonight?” I asked.

“She’s with my mom,” said Heart.

“Oh?”

“They came into town last night.”

“Again,” added Daniel with a smirk.

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